Sevyn Streeter Reschedules 76ers National Anthem Performance After ‘We Matter’ Brouhaha

Singer will also work with NBA team in its community outreach efforts

HOLLYWOOD, CA - APRIL 01: Singer Sevyn Streeter performs at Revolt Live Hosts Exclusive 'Furious 7' Takeover with Musical Performances From the Official Motion Picture Soundtrack at Revolt Live Studios on April 1, 2015 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
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Sevyn Streeter will be back to sing the National Anthem for the Philadelphia 76ers — and yes, this time she will be allowed to wear her “We Matter” jersey.

Streeter will perform the National Anthem at the Sixers’ home game on Dec. 16, when the team will face off against the Los Angeles Lakers, a spokesman for the team told TheWrap on Saturday.

In a statement issued Saturday, the 76ers said that they and Streeter had developed a plan to jointly help the entire Philadelphia community.

“After thoughtful conversation, the 76ers and Sevyn Streeter have worked together to develop a plan we hope will bring meaningful action to the Philadelphia community. Sevyn has accepted our offer to return to perform the national anthem on Friday, December 16th vs. the Los Angeles Lakers,” the team said. “She will also be joining the organization in our ongoing efforts in the community by partnering with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Philadelphia. Additionally, the Sixers will make a donation to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Philadelphia.”

Streeter said that she will work with the 76ers “to promote inclusion and acceptance.”

“After a meaningful dialogue with the 76ers organization, I have accepted their apology. In order to move forward, it was important to me that we take action and use this as an opportunity to create positive change and dialogue throughout the community. The Sixers and I plan to work together through multiple community outreach programs to promote inclusion and acceptance. Our first initiative will be with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Philadelphia, to whom they are graciously making a donation. I am also looking forward to returning to Philadelphia in December to perform the national anthem wearing my ‘We Matter’ jersey at the 76ers game vs. the Los Angeles Lakers.”

“I Like It” singer Streeter was scheduled to sing the national anthem at the Sixers’ season opener late last month. However, in an ESPN interview, Streeter said that she was pulled from the schedule at the last minute because of the shirt’s slogan, an apparent reference to the Black Lives Matter activist movement, which has gained prominence in the wake of numerous police shootings.

“I’d say two minutes before we were about to walk out … the organization told me that I could not wear my shirt while singing the national anthem at their game,” Streeter said. “I was never given any kind of dress code. I was never asked beforehand to show my wardrobe.”

Days later, the team issued an apology to Streeter, noting that it had invited her back to sing.

“We are sorry that this happened,” the NBA team said in a statement. “After receiving feedback from our players, basketball operations staff and ownership group, we believe that the wrong decision was made, and Sevyn should have been welcomed to sing.”

“We apologize to her, and in an effort to move the conversation forward, we have reached out to offer her an opportunity to return and perform at a game of her choice,” the team continued. “We are waiting to hear back.”

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